The High Desert Masonic Trestleboard

August 2018

A COMMUNICATION BY AND FOR

OASIS OF MARA LODGE # 735 YUCCA VALLEY LODGE # 802

TOGETHER WITH THE APPENDANT AND CONCORDANT BODIES IN THE HIGH DESERT COMMUNITIES OF

TWENTYNINE PALMS AND YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

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Messages from Oasis of Mara #735 Masters Message for August As the summer sun daily becomes more relentless, we “go dark” in July and August. During that time we shall be having only our Stated Meetings, which address our financial obligations and our administrative responsibilities. And we do not currently have any candidates ready for degrees. So that means we have nothing much to do for the next couple of months. Wrong! Although there is no pressure to get things done in the next two months, there is nevertheless plenty for us to do. First, there is time for us all to review and practice our degree rituals. We have felt sometimes that we must hurry to learn the rituals and the words of our degrees. Without practicing with our brethren, we cannot polish our performances of ritual. What we can and should do is spend time with our words. In particular, most of us need to take the time to clearly and slowly say—not recite—the words in the degrees. Not only are the words themselves meaningful, but also they provide insight when time is taken to note their context. In every case I can think of, the words of the degrees make their concepts clear when we neither rush through them, nor merely intone them without either insight or expression. Secondly, in addition to burnishing our delivery, we have the opportunity during the interim, to contemplate. I would be willing to bet that most of us have not really paid attention to our one, two, or three obligations since we took them. Unless we have acted as the Worshipful Master, most of us have not even said the words since we took our obligations. Nor have we given much thought to the meaning. If, for example, during your initiation you heard the First Degree lecture in short form, what is the difference between the rough and the smooth ashlar? How are lodges situated? Why is there no officer in the north during ceremonies? To be more specific, Entered Apprentices can take the time to ponder those mysteries of Freemasonry that they already know; and prepare themselves to question higher ranking brothers about things they do not fully understand. Similarly, Fellowcrafts can prepare to sharpen their understanding of such Masonry as they already have been exposed to. Perhaps most importantly, Master Masons can and should

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be prepared to offer instruction and explanation to not only their more junior brethren, but also to each other in order to clarify their own understanding. Finally, all of us can and should recommit to the principles of Freemasonry. Think about and reconsider the extent to which we are willing to apply the brotherly love, relief and truth that are the three principal tenets of our fraternity. Are there members whom we do not personally care fore, but toward whom we still owe brotherly love? If that is a hard question to answer, here is another one: what is brotherly love? Relief. In the first part of June Grand Lodge reminded us of the volcanoes in Hawaii and Guatemala and sought our relief for the people—not only the brethren—affected. Have we responded? And of course, truth is simply truth, sometimes ugly, sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes sublime. When we resume in September we shall have to confront the need to become more well-known in the community, strengthening our bonds with the local schools, acquiring new members, and involving our current members. That is a lot to do. Maybe we need to take the summer break just to “gird our loins” to prepare for the work.

Fraternally

Phil Fultz PM Senior Wardens Message for August Brethren, As we prepare to get back to business, let us remember that we are preparing for next year’s line. I would hope that we are studying to show ourselves proficient in our work. We should also be working on ensuring our candidates are improving in their proficiencies. If you are a mentor, it is your responsibility to inform me of the candidate’s progress. Let us work diligently on this. Our Tuesday night study group should pick back up with our Worshipful Master. Let us be in attendance and learn together the mysteries of freemasonry. Fraternally, Thomas Johnson PM Senior Warden

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Messages from Yucca Valley Lodge #802 Master’s Message for August Brethren, August is typically a slow month for lodges, as so many people get away from the heat of the desert for more hospitable climes. As much as some may wish for a slow-down in the activities, we at Yucca Valley still have much to do this month. We have Fellow Craft degrees to perform, balloting on new members, preparations for brothers to move to the next office, and dealing with the connection of the lodge to the new sewage system!

We happily received Vince Gantz to our fold as a candidate for degrees after getting to know us as a prospect for the past couple months. We'll be reading his application at the August Stated Meeting. In July, we welcomed Bert Cuaycong into our Masonic family with his initiation on the 26th.

Sadly, we also lost our Tiler, Wor. Brother Gary Mason, to the Celestial Lodge Above when he was called from labor on July 23rd. Gary was Master in 2013 and a supporting member of the Lodge since then as the Masonic Outreach Services Representative, Hall Association Treasurer, and Tiler (also avid story-teller and advisor). Linda will be needing our assistance during this critical period, so please remember the tenet of Relief.

Since last year in July, our Lodge has gained four new members, but have lost 12! Of those losses, six were called from Labor, four were suspended due to non-payment of dues, and two were withdrawals. Our current active total membership has dropped to 50 members, but that doesn't spell doom to our lodge! We are working with our new members and candidates to develop them into contributing members and building bridges to long-term

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members in hopes of re-igniting the Masonic fire that once warmed them.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Brothers Lee Sims (22nd), Robert Fisher (23rd), and Steve Leazer (25th). Brother Trevor Kraychir has an August raising anniversary, celebrating 9 years as a Master Mason.

Please make time to be active in the Lodge this month and support us as we continue to build our core membership and leadership team.

Have you checked out our new active website for Yucca Valley Lodge yet? It’s up and running thanks to Brother Raymond Cano. This is a big step forward for us and a key achievement in our five-year plan. Look for improvements in the weeks to come, as we intend to add content to the site, including a blog, a library of e-books on Freemasonry, and local events.

http://lodge802.wpfreemason.net/# Fraternally, TC Dowden Senior Wardens Message for August Brothers, Friends,

The heat is upon us and we all know that in the heat of summer people can become agitated easily. We see it as we drive, stand in line at the markets, and read the banter and comments on social media. As a species we tend to want others to feel the same way we do. If we feel horrible and uncomfortable, we like to share that misery; if we are happy and joyous, we also like to share that with others. It is human nature at its finest to be charitable not just with financial matters but also with matters of the heart and mind. Hence, we tend to share our emotions as well as our monies.

Many of us are very active and outspoken in our thoughts and opinions both inside and outside of the lodge. I am one of those that often shares my own personal opinions regardless of what others might think. However, we are still Masons and members of our larger Masonic society, and as such we should all remember some basic Masonic

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philosophies. One chief concept is this: “Who can best work and who can best agree?”

That is the fundamental qualification of unity in a Masonic lodge. Today we are witnessing so much division in our society regarding politics, religion, social position, gender, sexual orientation, and a multitude of other factors. Obviously, we as members of the Masonic family believe so strongly in removing these divisive subjects from our lodges that it is written into our constitutions not to discuss or debate these topics within our lodge meetings. At the root of Freemasonry in all of its many forms is the philosophies of temperance, tolerance and unity. We are one brotherhood under the fatherhood of God. This is what distinguishes us from almost every other fraternal organization or social club organized group on the planet. The only thing that we allow to distinguish our members is “who can best work, and best agree.” This does not define a single individual, but rather a group or majority position within the lodge, which allows us to actually get some work done and yet also allows for multiple positions on an idea or task to be heard and debated peacefully and for appropriate action to be taken. We all know that pop culture would have us labeled as that secret group that governs the world's affairs, yet we know the truth is that we often cannot even decide or agree upon what we might serve for dinner at the next stated meeting. I would also like to mention that though it may sound as though our lodges are a majority rule, that is not necessarily the case. Mob rules in a majority-rule situation can be extremely dangerous in civil society and Masonry does allow for majority rule within a lodge. However, it also gives the master and wardens as well as the committees that are formed the power to address certain matters and the authority to recommend actions and override, in some cases, a majority rule situation. Once the master gavels on an issue, it is now rule and above protestation unless it is deemed un-Masonic, in which case it can then be forwarded to the Grand Master for review.

For hundreds of years, if not thousands, Freemasonry has survived and flourished even through times of extreme civil unrest. Today is no exception as we are all joined by an indissoluble link of sincerer affection and a bond of commitment to each other that transcends so much of the pettiness of the

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world. It is also our charge to take this with us out into the world at large, to remember who we are and what we stand for. Yes, we will hold our own positions on these civil matters and yes, we have the right to express our opinions on these sensitive issues outside of the lodge, yet we should be ever mindful of the Compass, of the Square, and of the Level. These are the tools which teach us such important lessons regarding our passions, how we deal with others, and that we are all (every person) traveling upon the level of time to an undiscovered country from who is borne no traveler returns.

Let’s share our ancient wisdom with the world by showing them these qualities within us. Have an opinion and have fortitude in your stance, but also be kind, respectful, and forgiving. Have patience with others who may not be as enlightened as we would like to think that we are. Remember, that true enlightenment does not need to attack the dark, it shines through the shadows which flee from it on their own. May the Great Architect bless and keep each of you and may He grant each of us the wisdom of his Divine word that we may each one practice out of the lodge those great lessons which are inculcated within it.

Fraternally, Darin Sanden PM

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Our Fraternal Ties

Concordant and appendant organizations are encouaged to send articles, to

help “get the word out”. Articles should be brief, since space is limited.

MESA FEST 2018

The Yucca Mesa Community Center is hosting its annual Mesa Fest on Saturday, September 22. It is held at their community center in Yucca Valley, just off Aberdeen. We have the opportunity, as a non-profit organization, to have a booth at the event. This is FREE to all non-profit organizations in the area. This is an opportunity for us to get our name out in the community. Last year was the first year we participated. I am coordinating it again this year for our Chapter. I will have a canopy and two tables. We would like to partner with the Masonic Lodge and/or Shrine. You are welcome to set up a table under our booth if you would

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like. Or, if you prefer, I can give you contact information to reserve your own space. I hope you can participate with us! Call or text me at 760-501-6088 if you are interested.

Cherryl LaMar, Associate Conductress

Desert Valley Chapter #602

Masons4Mitts : Baseball Is Back!

California Masons are once again stepping up to the plate in support of local kids. Every $20 gift puts a high-quality leather baseball mitt – embossed with the Masons of California logo – into the hands of a child in need. New this year: Masons4Mitts has expanded to Orange County with the addition of Angels Baseball!

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I AM FREEMASONRY

I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when man first

dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages, and

found true. The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of

my feet, and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my

hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart are

wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. Upon

my altar is the Book of Holy Writings, and my prayers are to

the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together,

without rank or discord, in the public mart and in the inner

chamber. By signs and symbols I teach the lesions of life

and of death and the relationship of man with God and of

man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of

lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free

will. I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the

building of men, and thereafter, find direction in their own

quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain.

I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans'

cry, the widows tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am

not church, nor party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full

share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbor and

themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties

and alert to lurking danger. At the end I commit them as

each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the

glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass

and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe.

Always have taught immortality, and even as I raise men

from darkness into light, I am a way of life.

I Am Freemasonry

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Lodge Calendars

Thu Jul 26 6 – 7pm HA802 Meeting Thu Jul 26 7 – 10pm YV802 1st Degree Tue Jul 31 6:30 – 8:30pm OM735 Fellowship and Practice Thu Aug 2 6:30 – 7:30pm YV802 Lodge Dinner 7:30 – 9pm YV802 Stated Meeting Sat Aug 4 8 – 10am YV802 Breakfast Sat Aug 4 1 - 3:00pm YV802 Memorial Service Mon Aug 6 6 – 7:30pm OM735 Stated Meeting Dinner 7:30 – 9pm OM735 Stated Meeting Thu Aug 9 7 – 10pm YV802 Fellowship & Practice Tue Aug 14 6:30 – 8:30pm OM735 Fellowship and Practice Wed Aug 15 8 – 8:30pm Trestleboard Articles Thu Aug 16 7 – 10pm YV802 Fellowcraft Degree Sat Aug 18 11am – 2pm High Desert Shrine Club Tue Aug 21 6:30 – 8:30pm OM735 Fellowship and Practice Thu Aug 23 6 – 7pm HA802 Meeting Thu, Aug 23 7 – 10pm YV802 Fellowcraft Degree Sun Aug 26 2 – 5pm Galaxy Ice Cream Social Tue Aug 28 6:30 – 8:30pm OM735 Fellowship and Practice Thu Aug 30 7 – 10pm YV802 Fellowship & Practice Sat Sep 1 8 – 10am YV802 Breakfast Mon Sep 3 All day Labor Day Mon Sep 3 6 – 7:30pm OM735 Stated Meeting Dinner 7:30 – 9pm OM735 Stated Meeting Thu Sep 6 6:30 – 7:30pm YV802 Lodge Dinner

7:30 – 9pm YV802 Stated Meeting

The Lodge calendars are subject to change. When in doubt contact a lodge officer. Please respect organizations by not interrupting their private activities. Members and Family are encouraged to participate in all public activities of our Masonic Family.

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Grand Master of the State of California Most Worshipful Bruce R. Galloway

Inspector 830th Masonic District Worshipful Jim Ridley PM

OASIS OF MARA LODGE # 735 MASTER Phil Fultz

4anitaNphil2@twc.com (760) 367-9639

SENIOR WARDEN Thomas R Johnson PM romeoreg@aol.com (760) 362-2492

JUNIOR WARDEN Cory Adrian

TREASURER

SECRETARY Clint Marshall PM MarshallC@verizon.net (760) 464-5124

CHAPLAIN Vacant

SENIOR DEACON Sam Jones

JUNIOR DEACON Bob Coghill

MARSHALL Vacant

SENIOR STEWARD Vacant

JUNIOR STEWARD Vacant

TILER Lance Ash

Sudoku is a game of number logic, not math. Each row,each column, and box must contain the numbers 1-9 only once. Exercise your mind.

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YUCCA VALLEY LODGE # 802

MASTER

TC Dowden TCDowden@infowest.com (435) 531-3573

SENIOR WARDEN

Darin Sanden PM ddsanden@yahoo.com (760) 401-0236

JUNIOR WARDEN Vacant

TREASURER Joseph DuPont PM jdupont1@gmail.com (760) 808-3888

SECRETARY Matthew Harris Matt.Harris418@yahoo.com (760) 848-8237

ASSITANT SECRETARY Stephen Leazer asecretary802@gmail.com (760) 367-7631

CHAPLAIN Mark Clark PM

SENIOR DEACON Rob York

JUNIOR DEACON Vacant

MARSHALL Spiro Zafirov

SENIOR STEWARD Lee Sims

JUNIOR STEWARD Vernon Monroe

TILER Vacant

ORGANIST Mike Samu From the Editor I encourage everyone who is able to receive the Trestleboard by email. It helps reduce lodge operating expenses and allows features that are not possible in printed editions. Send an email to jdupont1@gmail.com and I will happily change your delivery preference. Brothers are encouraged to submit articles that they believe would be of interest to the members and our masonic family.

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